Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan champions craft and women’s leadership on her Mumbai visit

Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan visited Mumbai recently, where she spent her time in India's financial capital collaborating with institutions and leaders at the forefront of cultural preservation, education and women’s empowerment. Her Majesty began the weekend with a visit to the Chanakya School of Craft, where she was briefed on the institution’s training programmes and its efforts to preserve India’s rich artistic heritage.

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She was welcomed by Karishma Swali, Creative Director of Chanakya International and Founder and Creative Director of the Chanakya School of Craft, along with Nehal Shah, Director of Chanakya International. Established in 2016, the Chanakya School advances growth through education and skill development. During her tour, Queen Rania visited the school’s learning spaces to gain a deeper understanding of its ongoing initiatives.

She also toured the Archive and Craft Explorations Gallery, where vintage materials and textiles are displayed alongside contemporary craft practices, bridging tradition and innovation, before visiting the Living Museum, a tribute to collective artistry and enduring craftsmanship. Chanakya International has collaborated with more than 40 fashion houses worldwide and remains committed to the preservation, conservation and revival of India’s cultural heritage.

Earlier in the day, Queen Rania was hosted by Mr. Mukesh Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Industries Limited, and Mrs. Nita Mukesh Ambani at the Ambani residence. She then visited the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) in Mumbai, where she met with a group of prominent Indian women leaders across business, entrepreneurship, social work, media and the arts, where she was received at the centre by Mrs. Isha Ambani, Executive Director of Reliance Retail.

While at the centre, Queen Rania visited Swadesh, a Reliance Foundation retail initiative celebrating Indian cultural identity through handcrafted textiles, home décor and lifestyle pieces. There, she observed women engaged in hand embroidery, weaving and hand-knotted carpet making.

Through engagements spanning education, cultural preservation and women’s leadership, Queen Rania’s visit to Mumbai underscored shared priorities in advancing heritage, dialogue and women’s empowerment.

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